| A | B |
|---|
| How many species of reptiles currently exist? | about 6,500 species |
| Are reptiles ectotherms or are they warm-blooded(endotherms)? | ectotherms |
| How many chambers are in a reptile's heart? | 3 1/2 chambers |
| Why do reptiles have scales? | for protection and to prevent dehydration |
| How do reptiles breathe? | using well-developed lungs |
| Describe the eggs of reptiles. | they have a leathery shell so they can be laid on land |
| How common are alligators and crocodiles in the western United States? | very uncommon |
| Describe the structures that make-up a turtle or tortoise's shell. | skin, scales, backbone and ribs |
| How long do turtles and tortoises live? | about 150 years |
| How do lizards use their third eye? | unknown |
| How often do snakes blink? | Never ... they have clear scales that cover their eyes with no moveable eyelids |
| Do snakes have backbones? | yes |
| Name the special bones that connects the upper and lower jaws of some snakes. | quadrate bones |
| How do most non-venomous snakes kill their prey? | using suffocation |
| Name the poisonous lizard found in California. | the Gila Monster |
| How do pit vipers like rattlesnakes use their extra pits between their eyes and nostrils? | to sense heat from their warm-blooded prey |
| How does rattlesnake venom affect its victims? | it destroys blood cells and capillaries |
| How often does a rattlesnake add a new segment to its rattle? | each time it sheds its skin |
| What is inside the pieces of a rattlesnake's rattle? | the pieces are hollow |
| Rattlesnake bites must be immediately cut open to remove as much venom as possible .... true or false? | false |
| Name our common local freshwater turtle. | the Western Pond Turtle |
| Name our common "blue-bellied" lizard. | the Western Fence Lizard |
| How do male Western Fence Lizards use the blue patches on their stomachs? | they flash the blue color to threaten intruders |
| Name our local large lizard with the square scales. | the Alligator Lizard |
| What do Horned Lizards squirt from their eyes in defense? | blood |
| Name our local black snake with the colorful stripes. | the Garter Snake |
| How do Gopher Snakes defend themselves? | they hiss and vibrate their tails to imitate the sound of a rattlesnake |
| What common local snake feeds on other snakes, including rattlesnakes? | the Kingsnake |
| Describe the shape of a rattlesnake's pupils. | they are compressed in shape like those of a cat |
